recognizance

[ri-kog-nuh-zuhns, -kon-uh-]

noun

1. Law.

   1. a bond or obligation of record entered into before a court of record or a magistrate, binding a person to do a particular act.

   2. the sum pledged as surety on such a bond.

2. Archaic.,  recognition.

3. Archaic.,  a token; badge.

recognizance

/ rɪˈkɒɡnɪzəns /

noun

1. law

   1. a bond entered into before a court or magistrate by which a person binds himself to do a specified act, as to appear in court on a stated day, keep the peace, or pay a debt

   2. a monetary sum pledged to the performance of such an act

2. an obsolete word for recognition

Other Word Forms

• recognizant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recognizance¹

1350–1400; Middle English reconissaunce, recognisance < Old French reconuissance. See recognize, -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of recognizance¹

C14: from Old French reconoissance , from reconoistre to _recognize

Example Sentences

He was released on his personal recognizance and was told to remain at least 100 feet away from federal officers.

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County prosecutors then retried him and, while the case was pending, he was released on his own recognizance.

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A judge claimed he had ignored warnings, and Cole was released on his own recognizance.

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Braun was booked in Carroll County Jail and released on his own recognizance, according to TMZ.

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Department of Justice, which reported in 2009 that the vast majority of defendants, whether out on bail or released on their own recognizance, show up for court dates.

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Related Words

• agreement 
• assurance 
• certificate 
• collateral 
• contract 
• deposit 
• insurance 
• security 
• warranty